New Jersey Stage Issue 73 | Page 35

Straight from the airport he heads to Lucy’s house where the front door is immediately shut in his face after announcing who here is there to see. “She’s not home,” he’s told. Ten years later he would wind up hearing stories directly from Lucy while she was shooting a new series called Life with Lucy. Sitting inside her house after watching the show’s premiere, Billy asked her if she had ever met Charlie Chaplin who likely inspired her the way Lucy inspired him. Turns out Lucy and her husband dropped by Chaplin’s house once and had the door slammed in their face by a housekeeper as well with the statement, “He’s not home.” “It really blew my mind,” said Van Zandt. “I felt so in synch with her it was weird. I think when people are starting out - whether they are a musician, an actor, or anyone in the arts - there’s a reason you’re drawn to certain people. I had a comedy rhythm with Lucille Ball. I connected with her timing and something spoke to me about it. That’s why I thought of going to her. Oddly, when I started working with her and I watched her in rehearsal, she rehearsed the same way I did, which was weird. We’d be telling stories and it was like, ‘That happened to me too.’” Lighty’s Corner If you’re looking for new rock and roll songs, check out this eclectic radio show hosted by Gary Wien, publisher of New Jersey Stage. NJ STAGE - ISSUE 73 INDEX NEXT ARTICLE 35